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Just one VISE

2K views 19 replies 6 participants last post by  Clarkie 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Hey all, I have built a basic bench from 2×4s glued up face to face about 7 feet long and two feet wide. I would like to add one vise ( unless someone talks me out of it ). I want something that is versatile because i do a little bit of everything between case work and smalls, I typically have used stops and clamps for holding stuff and don't mind doing that but i do find myself wishing in had a vise at the front left of the bench. Theres too many to choose from and I don't know which one would be most versatile. Not concerned about anything pretty just tough and versatile. Was eyeballing the wedge powered leg vise as a super simple option.
 
#2 ·
Not sure what your budget is, but mine was basically rock-bottom. I got the large ShopFox front vise, and mounted it on my bench, which is similar in construction to yours (except mine is only 2" thick). I used a wider board for the front, the vise mounted behind it, and it serves as the rear jaw. I've had it for about 6 months and it has worked well. I use stops, clamps, and holdfasts elsewhere on the bench.
 
#5 ·
My guess is that the Woodcraft and the Woodstock are the same vise. I like mine just fine. I'd like a quick release style, but I decided that was a place I could save a few bucks. In some ways, the most important thing with this type of vise is the installation-getting if installed well on the bench with a good face. I started out with a SYP face, but I found it a little flexible, so I ended up sandwiching the SYP with two pieces of Ash and it will never move!
 
#7 ·
missalot, that's the exact one I have. I believe Woodstock manufactures Shop Fox, or for Shop Fox, or something along those lines. It came in a Shop Fox box, but it is indeed that vise. I had trouble finding it in stock at the time, looks like they're back in stock. It doesn't come with the mounting screws/bolts/washers, but that's a few dollars at the local store. I used small lags with washers, just predrilled the top from underneath and bolted it on.
 
#10 ·
if I mounted that style of front vise to the bottom of my bench, 3" thick, would i be ok adding a wood jaw that would come up to the height of flush with the bench top?

- missesalot
That's what I did
 
#13 ·
#15 ·
I was just reading somewhere about how some folks had gone for leg vises and then hated them (can't find it). I have no experience with them.
 
#16 ·
I have the economy face vise from Lee Valley. It works well enough, but I can't seem to ever get it to stay in perfect alignment, it always ends up canting to one side ever so slightly, but enough that the pressure is not even on the work piece. I have re-worked the jaws a few times to eliminate it, but it always comes back.
 
#17 ·
I think most of the complaints of the leg vise comes from them not being quick release or having to readjust the pin at the bottom. Not a big deal really. Having used regular face vises and leg vises, I prefer the leg. I tried to make mine fancy with no pins and it didn't work. When I get around to it, I'll be going back to traditional method with the pins.
 
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